NVIDIA has concrete plans to take up chipset manufacturing for ULPC, and nettop platforms based on the Intel Atom processor. With its visual computing expertise and platform core logic technologies, NVIDIA hopes to cash in on the segment in need for better consumer value than what it already enjoys. VR-Zone pictured the reference design nettop PC that uses the Intel Atom processor, aided by NVIDIA's MCP79 chipset.

The chipset is monolithic, and handles the jobs of a memory controller, graphics controller, and a peripheral hub. The chipset sits on a 10-layer PCB motherboard, which gives you an idea on the component density of the MCP79. The platform supports single core and dual core Atom processors. It supports single channel DDR3 memory in speeds up to the PC3-10666 (1333 MHz), with connections to a SO-DIMM module. A GeForce 9 series integrated graphics controller provides display output through DVI-I. There is a gigabit ethernet controller, and 8-channel HD audio. The front portion of the chassis provides a larger portion of the connections, which includes the audio (including optical SPDIF), USB 2.0, and eSATA. NVIDIA will allow OEM vendors to make their own case designs housing the platform.

What, no sli??? (
I'm loven these 'nettop' and 'netbooks'.. My A/V customers are starting to get into them as well.. I can't wait until we get an 'inwall' pc that only takes up a double or triple gang box..

The Intel ITX boards with the dual core Atom chip cost around £70, if they could sell this as just a board only for under £100 then it could be a big hit, the Intel boards though does have space for an PCI slot to install a high end sound card.

Economical, performs better. It's economical to have a single memory channel (less wiring, usually only one module), while DDR2 can't reach 1333 MHz at acceptable voltages. You end up with higher memory bandwidth. The 'competing' i945 operates on a single memory channel as well.

Economical, performs better. It's economical to have a single memory channel (less wiring, usually only one module), while DDR2 can't reach 1333 MHz at acceptable voltages. You end up with higher memory bandwidth. The 'competing' i945 operates on a single memory channel as well.